Construction of the third section of the first phase of the Trans-Balkan Corridor is scheduled to begin in mid-2025. This phase will include building a segment of the route and transmission lines connecting Bajina Bašta, the Montenegrin border, and the Bosnian border. Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedović, announced this during a meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Sahmanović.
The Trans-Balkan Corridor aims to link the power systems of Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its main objective is to improve energy supply security and integrate these systems with the European Union’s market, ultimately providing greater stability and benefits for consumers.
Minister Djedović outlined that construction is expected to start in 2026, with operations anticipated to begin in 2028. She emphasized the importance of a unified regional approach to carbon emission taxation, noting the similar energy challenges faced by the countries in the region. Djedović pointed out that EU coal-dependent member states have had much longer timelines to meet emission standards, while Serbia and its neighbors have only about three years to make comparable progress. Access to European funds is crucial to help meet carbon pricing requirements and comply with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The meeting also covered cooperation on knowledge sharing and exchanging experiences related to market premium auctions for renewable energy sources. Discussions included advancing infrastructure projects that would further connect the energy sectors of both countries.
Djedović highlighted Serbia’s recent progress in modernizing its energy sector, noting that the country’s renewable energy capacity has nearly doubled over the last two years. Two rounds of auctions have resulted in the development of 19 new renewable power plants, attracting investments totaling around two billion euros. She also stressed the shared rivers between Serbia and Montenegro, which hold significant energy potential, making joint efforts vital to overcoming challenges in the thermal sector. While Serbia has made strides with renewable energy auctions, maintaining grid stability will require substantial investments in the transmission network.
Montenegro’s Minister Sahmanović praised Serbia’s achievements in the energy transition and the steps taken to encourage private sector participation through market premium auctions for renewables. He expressed Montenegro’s commitment to continuing joint initiatives and ongoing projects with Serbia, emphasizing the importance of aligning regional and international energy policies. He also underscored that collaborative efforts within the Energy Community remain a key priority going forward.
